Over the last and next few weeks, lots of people have been taking part in the blog chain, ‘My Next Big Thing’. Last week was the lovely Rae Gee’s turn – Rae, if you don’t already know her, is the lovely, talented and very friendly author of ‘The Veetu Industries’ series. Books one and two, Mars on the Rise, and Selling Mars, are currently available from Torquere Press – and Crimson Clocks are honoured to be performing at the Selling Mars launch celebration in Leicester next year. It’s always worth popping over to Rae’s website to check out what she does, and what she’s blogging about - www.raegee.co.uk

So now it’s my turn to become part of the chain…

What is the working title of your book?It’s called ‘The Front Line– Volume two of the Automata Wars’. The first volume is ‘The Home Front’ – see what I did there? (rumours that volume three will be called ‘Blimey, You’ve Got Some Front!’ are unfounded)

Where did the idea come from for the book?The Automata Wars as a whole has undergone a bit of a strange metamorphic curve… when I initially dreamed up ‘The Home Front’ I was inspired by the idea that there is more to a war than just the military. My Grandad, for instance, didn’t serve in the war because as a gravel pit superintendent, his role was considered too important to the war effort at home. And even when the war is raging, life goes on at home… but of course, you can’t have a war without fighters; so Volume Two focuses on where the battle is really raging. There will be twists. There will be turns. There will almost certainly be violence and bloodshed, and a large helping of automata…

What genre does your book fall under?For me, that’s a difficult question! I like a range of different genres, and I don’t see a need to be pigeon-holed into one thing or another – I just like what I like! The same goes for my music – Crimson Clocks plays a range of different styles, and we’re quite difficult to define too.

However – people also need to know what they might be getting into. So I would say this is primarily science fiction/ fantasy, with a smorgasbord of elements of steampunk, horror, war, and historical fiction. With any luck, it overlaps so many genres, it becomes an anti-genre.

Oh dear, I hope I haven’t just invented another genre…

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?The first draft was effectively vomited onto the pages in about two months. That was basically me writing at least 1000 words per day to get the story down before I forgot where it was going. Following that, I can review at a more leisurely place, pick up the areas where I know I need more information to make believable, make sure any plot points that don’t work are ironed out… In this book, for example, I needed a military force that reads believably, although I didn’t need 100% historical accuracy. Having worked out what my force needed to do, I then consulted with Mr I Hannigan Esq, who is acting as my military adviser for this book! Which meant I could refine all my military groups and divisions into a logical, coherent order…

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?Hmm, that’s a bit difficult to say. I’m hoping it’s not too much like anything else! But probably anything with sentient robots would qualify at least in part.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?Well, the steampunk vibe was a big inspiration – although as mentioned, steampunk is only an element of the book. Also my historical readings – I can recommend a very interesting book on London’s history of vice and prostitutes, called ‘London, The Wicked City’ (by Fergus Linnane) if anyone wants a fascinating insight into how ladies of the night might market their commodities…

What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?Prostitutes! Nurses! Blood and guts, plague and monsters. And big guns. Do you need more?

Well, that was more waffle than I expected! Thanks for reading – now it’s time to pass the baton on to the next links in the chain…

May I present for your entertainment and edification:- Mr Steve Cotterill. Steve is an author and a reviewer. He has recently had a short story published in the most recent ‘Asylum Chronicles’ volume, ‘Lost Souls of the Asylum’; and you can also read his elegant and erudite prose regularly in Cogzine, the steampunk fanzine (also available through The Last Line).- Mr Steven C Davis - Author of 'Cornix Sinistra' and 'Armageddon Angel'. Co-author of 'The Heart's Cog Imperative'; Creative Director of Tenebrous Texts; Empire builder of the Science Fiction Department at the Oxfam Bookshop in Reading (the only Oxfam bookshop with a dedicated science fiction section AND a resident SF author) – and if that wasn’t enough he also hosts a radio show at Reading4U. Blimey!- Ms EA Stokes, another writer from the Last Line stable, Ms Stokes’ first novel will be published next year – a brilliant achievement when taking into account that she is also dyslexic! She has Harris hawks, an impala (the car, that is), and also makes intricate and lovely bits and pieces – you may have already met her out and about on The Last Line stalls…

Well, actually it is ages. Nearly a month. It's been busy at Chez Cooke, with gigs and book events and all sorts (not of the licorice variety, ick).

Since we last spoke (sort of), Hallowsteam has taken place. This was a really great night. The acts were amaxing - in the afternoon session it ranged from new band Metropolis making a storming debut, to the groan-aloud (that's nearly a pop band) comedy of Count Rostov, to the perpetual motion machine that is Birthrite who had kindly agreed to headline the afternoon show.

After the cake break, Crimson Clocks took to the stage, and I gaily flung body parts (edible ones) into the audience. We were followed by Gladstone and their exuberant brand of steampunk and story; by the Cogkneys who made sure we were all full of fruit (av a banana); by the Seas of Mirth who beat a giant crab to death in front of us, and finally by the consummately professional BB Blackdog, with Mike chasing people around the venue armed only with his wirseless bass, and Demolitia Tribal making an excellent 'gimp' choice.... oh yes. If this sounds like a teaser, then you should have been there! But here's a taster courtesy of Never Mind The Cogs, photographer Arthur Brown:

Hallowsteam was a great night indeed. Will I do it next year? To be honest, I don't know. Six months of effort went into arranging it, the acts performed brilliantly, the traders had wonderful stock, Dr When MC'd like a demon, and the people who came were absolutely splendid, as were the Roadhouse staff and venue themselves. But for all that effort, so few people actually turned up. Perhaps Birmingham just isn't steampunk ready. Who know...? Answers on a postcard, please!After Hallowsteam, we played at the Shed in Leicester, alongside Metropolis, Birthrite and Gladstone once again; and thanks go to Mr G Stoker Esq of Gladstone for arranging this! Again, a great venue, great traders, great acts. Thanks to those that came along and enjoyed themselves!

In the meantime, of course, there is writing to be done. Volume 2 of The Automata Wars is on its second draft; while Vol 1, the Home Front, has received a first 5-star review on Amazon! If you read a book - one of mine, or from any author - that you think is worth a review, then please leave one - on Amazon, Waterstones, Goodreads, whereever you happen to be. It helps to get feedback on what people liked or didn't, and it also helps to spread the word!

And after the famine a feast - no blog for ages, then a huge one all in one go. If we don't speak before, then look out for a special 'chain blog' next week, which the lovely Rae Gee, author of Mars on the Rise, has invited me to take part in. 'Til next time...

Author

I'm a writer of steampunk/ fantasy fiction, singer/musician and writer at LM Cooke Music, singer in the parody band Mediaeval Biaetches, occasional historian, and co-presenter of the Gothic Alternative Steampunk and Progressive web radio show. Here I will ramble vaguely about stuff. Friends, countrymen, and people who aren't countrymen, lend me your ears...